This Elite Helicopter Unit With The World's Best Pilots Took Part In The Effort To Rescue James Foley

When the Navy SEALs or Army Special Forces need a ride, they call the unit with the most elite helicopter pilots in the world — the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).

So it comes as no surprise that the 160th was involved in the effort to rescue American journalist James Foley and others from ISIS captivity in Syria. While the mission of the pilots — to get operators in and out of the target — was successful, ultimately no hostages were rescued.

"The Nightstalkers" as they are called, are the only special operations aviation unit in the Army, deploying almost continuously since 9/11 to provide drop-off for U.S. military elite at their targets. They also provide close air support — actually shooting at the enemy — while they are on the ground.

An elite air unit for special operations missions didn't always exist. After serious issues surfaced during a disastrous 1980 mission to free the hostages in Iran, the 160th was formed in 1981.